Watermead Country Park

Watermead Country Park, the green oasis of Leicestershire, is one of the best places in the area. This Country Park consists of more than 12 artificial lakes and ponds and it’s a 140-hectare site. What’s more, it’s one of the largest reedbed places and a perfect place for waterfowl.

Watermead Country Park

This complex of lakes and ponds is about two miles long and there are five bird hides. The Park has an excellent corridor for wildlife because the River Soar and Grand Union Canal run through it. Moreover, it abounds in surfaced paths and rough grassland areas which are perfect for insects. Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council run the Watermead Country Park as well as Bradgate Park. The area is perfect for fishing, bird watching, and there are also numerous watersports facilities.

There are 3 Local Nature Reserves in the Park, Birstall Meadows, Watermead Country Park (North), and Watermead Country Park (South). John Merricks Lake is the lake located in the north and King Lear’s Lake is the most southern lake which is perfect for fishing. The latter lake is excellent for cycling or walking dogs. There is also a statue which shows the final scene of Shakespeare’s play King Lear. King Lear’s Lake is so popular that it’s even used for water swim training by Newfoundland Dogs and Leicester Triathlon Club. The most spectacular view in this Park is probably by the Mammoth lake which offers a view of Leicester.

Things to Know Before Visiting theWatermead Country Park

The Country Park is in the north-east of Leicester. It’s adjacent to the A46, between the villages of Syston and Wanlip. Its main entrance is near to the Hope and Anchor.

You can get there by bus by catching the Arriva 6 bus to the local villages. Note that there is also walking included.

The Park is open every day from 7am until dusk and overnight camping is strictly forbidden.

You can pay at the Pay-on-exit machines at Beacon Hilland Market Bosworth. If you leave your car in the parking for the whole day, it will cost only £2.50. However, there are also season tickets which are great if you visit this Park often.